Olaf Kjelsen, Ambassador of Switzerland to Greece

The interlinkages in tourism between Switzerland and Greece are numerous…

I have known and appreciated Greece as far back as my student days and even before my official arrival as Ambassador, my family and I have had the opportunity to visit many places of interest in this beautiful and hospitable country. Besides the well-known beaches and historical sites, Greece has unique mountain peaks on the mainland as well as on the islands, which many of my fellow countrymen, of whom over 450,000 visited Greece in 2017, climb at the first opportunity.

In recent years, Greece has been breaking new records in the number of foreign tourists arriving and the tourism industry is continuing to expand its position as one of the country’s most important economic sectors. For the Swiss, the Greek islands, especially Crete, Rhodes and Kos, have been among the top ten destinations for years.
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For the Swiss, the Greek islands, especially Crete, Rhodes and Kos, have been among the top ten destinations for years.

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Tourism is of great importance also for Switzerland. Its history began in the early 19th century, when it was customary for young aristocrats to travel through Switzerland as part of the so-called Grand Tour of Europe. One of the main attractions remain, of course, the Alps, and the beauty of the landscapes and cities. The continuously improved infrastructure and Switzerland’s central location in Europe have been favorable to the development of tourism.

Besides being a classical yet innovative tourism destination, Switzerland attracts many visitors as a place of education. In addition to Switzerland’s renowned universities, hospitality schools are popular and many young Greeks who have attended them, later return home and take over the reins of the family business or occupy management positions in renowned hotels. The interlinkages in tourism between Switzerland and Greece are therefore numerous.

I look forward to further enhance the bilateral relations between our countries over the next four years and to continue my personal journey of discovery in Greece with my family. I wish you all a successful holiday season.